Using arts to bring everyone together

Singapore

FIFTEEN groups of students from special education schools partnered mainstream schools and organisations to put up a 90-minute performance that ran the gamut from aikido to circus arts at Resorts World Theatre on Nov 10.

The inaugural event - which was organised by Extra•Ordinary People, a charity with Institutions of Public Character status - involved more than 500 differently abled performers to celebrate inclusivity and to appreciate parents and educators in the special needs community.

Minister in Prime Minister's Office and Secretary-General of National Trades Union Congress, Ng Chee Meng, graced the event titled An Extra•Ordinary Celebration.

Mr Ng said: "What resources cannot buy is what I see tonight and why I am so proud. Principals put in the extra bit of effort, our students put in the care and love to partner and bring society together. When Singapore wants an inclusive society, we don't just talk about it. This is our values in action."

Wee Wei Ling, director of Extra•Ordinary People, said: "Our current school system separates children of different abilities. While there may be good reasons for this design, this inevitably creates division and stereotypes."

She added that Extra•Ordinary People aims to start teaching students from young to not exclude. "This will shape their generation to lead the way out of these divisions created before them."

Ms Wee said that while distance and transport logistics might be inconvenient, the common passion in performing arts brought the groups together.

Secondary 2 student Gabriella Roselyn from Boon Lay Secondary School, who was involved in a contemporary street dance performance with students from St Andrew's Autism School, said: "When we were told that we would be collaborating with St Andrew's Autism School, I was slightly apprehensive. But during practices, I made use of the opportunity to not only talk to them but play simple games and they seemed to enjoy it very much.

"This experience has opened my mind and heart. I have learnt that not everyone is the same and we can all learn and benefit from each other's perspectives."

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School teamed up with Singapore Chinese Girls' School to form a concert band.

Jerryl Ong, a student at Cerebral Palsy Alliance School, said: "It was my first time singing a Chinese song and I had to memorise the lyrics as I did not know how to read Chinese. The SCGS students were patient in teaching me, and I was very happy with our performance."

When asked if a similar event will be staged next year, Ms Wee said the celebration will be an annual affair.

"The first edition last Saturday merely provided a glimpse into our vision of an inclusive Singapore. The event was a breakthrough in many ways - it was Singapore's largest inclusive concert and the first one where all the items were performed by inclusive teams.

"We will continue to stage the event annually and hope to bring on board more partners for a larger scale event next year."